Viktor Illugason scored the crucial goal as Reading all but clinched the Barclays Premier Reserve League South title with a 2-2 draw at Arsenal last night.

Brian McDermott’s men have one fixture remaining against West Ham next week and are top, level on points with second-placed Watford, who have completed their fixtures and have a vastly inferior goal difference.

Only a 21-goal defeat away at the Hammers next week would see Watford pip Royals.

Against the Gunners last night at Barnet’s Underhill ground, Royals took the lead after 12 minutes courtesy of an own goal from Joe O’Cearuill.

Icelandic youngster Illugason, who was a half-time substitute, doubled their tally after an hour, but the home side hit back through Jay Simpson and Jay Thomas.

Reading will face a play-off match with Bolton Wanderers, the winners of the Northern section, at Madejski Stadium on Friday May 11 (kick off 7pm).